Lot 2482

Description

Mn. Cordius Rufus, (46 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.89 grams), obv. Corinthian helmet with crest, with owl standing on top, to right, RVFVS behind, rev. Aegis of Minerva with head of Medusa in centre, MN [CORD]IVS behind, (S.320 [£110], Cr.463/2, Syd.978, B.Cordia 4 [£80]). Attractive dark grey patina, weak in places, otherwise very fine and very scarce.

Ex John Quincy Adams and Descendants, Massachusetts Historical Society, sold by Stacks March 5-6, 1971 (lot 605 part) and then to Dr. John A. Sawhill Collection, and James Madison University Foundation, sold Stacks, March 15-16, 1979 (lot 1214 part). Only 51 obverse dies were used for this type as determined by Crawford.